LIFE EXPECTANCY

PARIS, France (AFP) — Healthier lifestyles and higher incomes have helped increase life expectancy in the 35 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations by 10 years in the past half- century, according to a report published Friday. 

The OECD's Health at a Glance 2017 report said the average life expectancy throughout the group of countries — which includes the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most EU nations — now stands at 80.6 years, an increase of more than 10 years since 1970. 

“Healthier lifestyles, higher incomes and better education have all contributed to boost life expectancy in recent decades,” the report said. 

“Better health care has also helped.” 

The longest-living are the Japanese and the Swedish, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report. Life expectancy at birth in those two countries was put at 83.9 years, with Spain and Switzerland not far off on 83 years. 

At the other end of the scale of the OECD countries is Latvia, with a much lower life expectancy of 74.6 and Mexico on 75 years. 

However, while some factors like a decline in smoking rates and higher health spending have helped achieve these figures, “there has been little success in tackling obesity and harmful alcohol use, and air pollution is often neglected”, the report warned. 

If the rates of smoking and consumption were halved, life expectancies would rise by a further 13 months, the research found. 

A main driver of the higher life expectancies has been steadily increased spending on health care, the OECD said, while pointing out that the growth has slowed since the financial crisis a decade ago. 

“Health spending per capita has grown [by] around 1.4 percent annually since 2009, compared to 3.6 per cent in the six years up to 2009,” the report's summary said. 

The US tops the list for health spending per capita — at US$9,862 (8,470 euros) per year, more than double the OECD average — but the report points out that the benefits are derived not just from how much money is pumped in but how effectively it is used. 

“Reducing wasteful spending is key to maximise the impact of public resources on health outcomes,” the report says, pointing to the increased use of cheaper generic drugs in some countries — including the US. 

Health spending per capita was also relatively high in Switzerland, Germany, Sweden and France, where it totalled 11 per cent or more of GDP. 

The report also warns against the overuse of antibiotics. 

Obesity remains a major problem with more than half, 54 per cent, of adults in the OECD countries overweight and nine per cent obese. “Obesity rates are higher than 30 per cent in Hungary, New Zealand, Mexico, and the United States,” said the report. 

On the plus side, fewer people are dying following heart attacks or strokes, and across the OECD countries, five-year survival rates for breast cancer are up to 85 per cent and just over 60 per cent for colon and rectal cancers.

SOURCE

Its not about you!

There's nothing more irritating than to be lectured by a zealot who thinks his/her way of doing things is the only way. I can assure you that that is not the main premise of this blog. I am doing this for my own purposes and the exercise of putting my experience in the form of a newsletter is a challenge, something different to occupy my mind. Should it be of any assistance to anyone else then that pleases me but I do not propose myself as campaigner or a 'disciple' of any kind, the very thought bugs me. I am embarking on a new venture simply because I needed something to stretch me. Following a relatively successful career in education and a short period of time playing golf (badly) I realised I was vegetating and needed something to stimulate the grey matter. Thus I did some research and found something I thought had the potential to do what I was looking for. The ability to work from home was a big attraction, indeed, as I began to discover, the 'business' can be done from anywhere (e.g. you often see marketing material showing bronzed young men/women with their laptops on their beach towel.) Though possible, I am content to be writing this whilst on a short break 'house minding' for my in-laws, anywhere, as it happens, there is an internet connection is a workable environment. That appeals to me. The subject of the 'business' is 'Social Media', something I confess I knew little about (I should explain that although my main criteria in terms of involvement in a new venture was cerebral there is a good opportunity of making some money as well). Indeed I suspect, like most people of my generation, I was of the opinion that elements such as Twitter and Facebook were simple teenage fads. winging trivia across the atmosphere without much substance. How wrong I was, using either/both of them for business purposes is a totally different proposition and I am learning to do so in the belief that I will soon be able to generate a reasonable level of income from a home based business which is giving me plenty of food for thought. It is not easy. There is much to learn and key to it all is persistence. There have been times when I questioned my involvement but I am encouraged by the level of support I receive and my confidence and level of expertise is growing exponentially. The Internet is a vast arena of opportunity and there are a myriad of ways one can benefit from participating. It can be a frightening thing and the consequences of making a mistake can be daunting, however it is like most things in life, how did you learn to drive a car? by going to someone who has done it before; listening to their advice; accepting their support/encouragement; practising their proposals; passing the test of your capability and then continuing to learn as different situations present themselves. I am following a similar path in terms of the business of Social Media Marketing. It is fascinating, challenging and potentially lucrative. All it needs is positivity and the desire to make the most of your capabilities. I now have a blog of my own, I am regularly posting on  Facebook and Twitter with a long list of 'followers' and just three months ago I didn't have a clue. I have targets and I am attempting to shake off 50 years of bad habits which affect the way I look at the 'new order' of things. I want my independence back! 

It is possible. Let me know what you think, always interested.

You are never too old!! 

for your first 'driving lesson' try

http://tiny.cc/2y17ky

One (Senior) Internet Marketing beginners experience

One (Senior) Internet Marketing beginners experience

“Once upon a time I couldn’t even spell ‘Social Media Marketer’, now I are one”.

As I approached my 70^th birthday I recognised that something had to change.

Having been retired for 7 years and feeling myself stagnating, I was in dire need of some mental stimulation and a challenge (not to mention some extra cash).

Several years ago, whilst in work, I dabbled with Internet Marketing but, frankly I did not have the right mindset to make a success of it at the time. All sorts of excuses were used to justify my lack of progress but in the end it was clear that I had become stuck in my own little pool of inactivity.  In an attempt to resolve this situation I attended a three day ‘Bootcamp’ in Brighton (Oct 2016) and was captivated by a number of the presentations which were light years ahead of those I saw back then.

One, in particular, stood out for me and it was to do with Social Media. I have two grown up children who use Facebook & Twitter incessantly (as well as Whatsapp amongst others) and frankly I was both bemused and dismissive of it all until I heard Paul OMahonys exhilarating talk at the show.

My reason for attending was principally that I was looking to develop a worthwhile activity which could not only provide some income but also give me the mental stimulus that I so badly needed. Although I knew enough about the topic to realise that this is the way of ‘the future’ when I heard what Paul had to say it became clear that the potential/opportunity was even more vast than I had ever envisaged.

Paul OMahony is one of the leading International experts in this field and has a bankroll to prove it. His collaboration with the top Marketers in the world has enabled him to produce a programme which is clear, thorough and comprehensive in its delivery.

Having only recently joined his online course I have to say the level of support is impressive, (which is just as well as my speed of picking up the intricacies of the internet is somewhat slower than that of your average 10 year old).

Nevertheless, I am pleased with the steady progress I have made with the patient help of the team in his office, it is not claimed that success will be achieved overnight and participants are encouraged to plan well ahead setting realistic targets which are reachable within an appropriate timescale.

As far as the course itself is concerned I have access to a community website with a Helpdesk accessible 24/7 as well as 2 x monthly Skype calls with my personal mentor and a One-to-one meeting once a month with the man himself.

The path to setting up a profitable business is clearly outlined and if followed diligently will direct even the most inexperienced participant towards a successful outcome.

There are costs involved, although, if looked at as an investment in your future, they are relatively small. The risk factor in my experience is not extreme and is largely dependent on the level of commitment to the 'setting-up' programme,

As with most things in life it is what you make of it and the criteria (at least on the programme I am on) is clearly laid out before you commit and from the very beginning the level of support is exceptional.

Don’t get me wrong there is a lot to learn and some of the terminology is a bit baffling to begin with but as I’ve already said the back-up support helpline is pretty much immediate and very thorough, above all I am finding it an enjoyable and stimulating challenge and I have made working contact with others of similar experience who share the same issues,fears and pressures and are happy to cooperate, sharing successful responses to any problems that may arise.

I am three months into a year long programme designed to build a profitable online business which I aim to pass on to my children / grandchildren. I have now gained a sense of purpose and feel as though once again I'm doing something worthwhile.

Suffice to say, I’ve got my ‘zip’ back again! Watch this space.

One (Senior) Internet Marketing beginners experience

“Once upon a time I couldn’t even spell ‘Social Media Marketer’, now I are one”.

As I approached my 70^th birthday I recognised that something had to change. Having been retired for 7 years and feeling myself stagnating, I was in dire need of some stimulation and a challenge (not to mention some extra cash).

Several years ago, whilst in work, I dabbled with Internet Marketing but, frankly I did not have the right mindset to make a success of it at the time. All sorts of excuses were used to justify my lack of progress but in the end it was clear that I had become stuck in my own little pool of inactivity.

In an attempt to resolve this situation I attended a three day ‘Bootcamp’ in Brighton (Oct 2016) and was captivated by a number of the presentations which were light years ahead of those I saw back then.

One, in particular, stood out for me and it was to do with Social Media. I have two grown up children who use Facebook & Twitter incessantly (as well as Whatsapp amongst others) and frankly I was both bemused and dismissive of it all until I heard Paul OMahonys exhilarating talk at the show.

My reason for attending was principally that I was looking to develop a worthwhile activity which could not only provide some income but also give me the mental stimulus that I so badly needed.

Although I knew enough about the topic to realise that this is the way of ‘the future’ when I heard what Paul had to say it became clear that the potential/opportunity was even more vast than I had ever envisaged.

My mentor, Paul OMahony is one of the leading International experts in this field and has a bankroll to prove it. His collaboration with the top Marketers in the world has enabled him to produce a programme which is clear, thorough and comprehensive in its delivery.

Having only recently joined his online course I have to say the level of support is impressive, (which is just as well as my speed of picking up the intricacies of the internet is somewhat slower than that of your average 10 year old). Nevertheless, I am pleased with the steady progress I have made with the patient help of the team in his office, it is not claimed that success will be achieved overnight and participants are encouraged to plan well ahead setting realistic targets which are reachable within an appropriate timescale.

As far as the course itself is concerned I have access to a community website with a Helpdesk accessible 24/7 as well as 2 x monthly Skype calls with my personal mentor and a One-to-one meeting once a month with the man himself. The path to setting up a profitable business is clearly outlined and if followed diligently will enable even the most inexperienced participant towards a successful outcome.

There are also costs involved, although, if looked at as an investment in your future, they are relatively small. The risk factor in my experience is not extreme and is largely dependent on the level of commitment to the 'setting-up' programme, As with most things in life it is what you make of it and the criteria (at least on the programme I am on) is clearly laid out before you commit and from the very beginning the level of support is exceptional.

Don’t get me wrong there is a lot to learn and some of the terminology is a bit baffling to begin with but as I’ve already said the back-up support helpline is pretty much immediate and very thorough, above all I am finding it an enjoyable and stimulating challenge and I have made working contact with others of similar experience who share the same issues,fears and pressures and are happy to cooperate, sharing successful responses to any problems that may arise.

I am three months into a year long programme designed to build a profitable online business which I aim to pass on to my children / grandchildren. I have now gained a sense of purpose and feel as though once again I'm doing something worthwhile.

Suffice to say, I’ve got my ‘zip’ back again! Watch this space.

It's Never Too Late To Start A New Beginning

Do you think you're too old or too inexperienced to start your own online business? Success has nothing to do with age. Or experience. It has everything to do with determination and faith in yourself.

When you first start your own internet business, it can be frightening and even seem impossible, no matter what age you are or experience you have. It's the old dilemma about how can you get experience without having experience. But, when you start your own online business, you can make your own experience and prove your expertise with just a little work.

Why An Internet Business?

The number of people buying products and services online is growing every year. This increase in online spending being moved from conventional offline stores to the internet has produced an incredible opportunity for people of all ages and experience. The set up costs are low, the learning curve is quick and you can pretty much build a profitable internet business without any previous experience.

Start With A Business Plan

First, you need a clear business plan. You have to know what you're going to sell and who you're going to sell it to. These are all things that you can learn how to do. You don't even have to develop your own products and services. You can sell items that have been created by other people and they'll pay you a commission for every sale you make.

Build A Website (It's Not As Difficult As You Think)

You may be worried about the technological side of an online business. But there's plenty of help out there if you simply take the time to find it. If you can use a search engine to find something on the internet and send an email, then you're ready to go.There are forums and blogs, websites and videos which can bolster your faith in yourself and help you build a website much quicker than you think. If you do find it too complicated, you can outsource the whole thing for a very reasonable cost.

Provide Useful Content For Your Audience

You don't have to be an expert to start your own online business. You just have to know a little more than your target market and be willing to do some work learn more. On your website, provide your audience with content discussing the problems that your audience have and how you can help solve them. It's a great way to get traffic to your website and it's also a great way to demonstrate your knowledge.

Be Yourself

Set yourself apart from other marketers and stop telling yourself you don't have a chance. People have different styles. Everyone has an audience who will relate to the way that they conduct their business. Remember that people by from people they know, like and trust. Believe in yourself and your audience will believe in you too.

Regardless of your age, education, technical skills or qualifications there are no specific requirements for starting your own online business. But you might feel that you're too old, too young or too inexperienced. Take look at the 5 steps every online entrepreneur will need to take when creating a business on the internet:

SOURCE

Basics of Choosing a Niche

Before you can even start building your Internet business, you will need to choose a niche to build your business around. After all, you cannot build any kind of business if you do not know what that business will be about. So before you buy a domain name, build a website, write a sales page, or even create a product, you need to choose a niche. But there is more to choosing a niche than just picking something out of thin air.

Many marketers say that you should choose a niche that you are passionate about. However, I don't think that is necessarily true. Just think about it for a few minutes.

What are you passionate about? How many other people are passionate about the same thing? Maybe you are passionate about gardening. Great! That would be a good niche to build your business around as there are hundreds of thousands, more likely millions of people interested in gardening. But if you are passionate about some obscure subject, how many people do you think have a passion for the same thing? Probably very few so how can you expect to make any money in that particular niche?

Think about it logically. Just being passionate about something may not be enough to build a profitable business around. In order to be successful, your chosen niche must have enough profit potential that you can actually make money in it. Otherwise, it will be just a hobby, not an actual business.

PLEASE NOTE: According to the IRS, if your business does not become profitable within a couple of years, then it is a hobby, not a business. And, the IRS does not allow tax deductions for hobbies. Choosing a profitable niche is the first step to building a profitable business instead of a hobby.

On the other hand, if you have absolutely no interest or very little interest in a niche, it will be very hard for you to work in that niche. Never choose a niche just because you think you can make a lot of money in it, especially if you do not have much interest in it.

If you choose a niche you have no interest in, you will end up making excuses for why you cannot work that day. You won't want to spend time creating products to promote to your subscribers. Without any products, you will not make any money in that niche. Plus, you'll have a hard time coming up with ideas to write articles about. Without articles, you have no content to send to your subscribers.

Since your subscribers joined your list because they thought you would help them solve their problems, you'll never be able to maintain your list of subscribers if you never send them the information they want.

So you will end up starting all over again in a different niche, wasting all of the time, effort and money you spent in a niche you end up abandoning. If you have some interest in a niche, it will be much easier for you to do the many tasks associated with building a profitable online business around that niche. So, whatever niche you chose should be something you are at least interested in or something you want to learn more about.

So, you really don't need to be passionate about the niche you choose but you do need to have some interest in it. While your ultimate goal is to make money, you will still need to choose a niche that you will enjoy working in.

In order to be successful, you can't be a small fish in a big ocean. All small fish either get eaten or they become lost in the vast numbers of larger fish.

You will need to do some research to find a niche which you can narrow down into one or more profitable sub-niches. You need to choose a sub-niche with a high demand for the products you will be creating and which also offers a large number of products you can promote as an affiliate.

SOURCE